Does turning on ECO mode save fuel?
2 Answers
Turning on ECO mode saves fuel. Below are the specific introductions to the car driving modes: 1. NORMAL mode: Achieves the optimal balance between fuel economy and power performance. Suitable for urban driving. 2. SPORT mode: Controls the transmission and engine to achieve fast and powerful acceleration. This mode also alters the steering feel, making it suitable for situations requiring agile driving responses, such as driving on winding roads. When Sport mode is selected, the "SPORT" indicator on the multi-information display will light up. 3. ECO mode: Helps the driver accelerate in an environmentally friendly manner and improves fuel economy through moderate throttle characteristics and control of the air conditioning system operation (heating/cooling). When Eco mode is selected, the "ECO-MODE" indicator on the multi-information display will light up. When the air conditioning is in use, the system automatically switches to air conditioning Eco mode for better fuel economy.
I used to drive a hybrid car and almost always used the ECO mode for my daily commute. It does save some fuel, especially in traffic jams, as the system reduces throttle response to avoid sudden acceleration. However, the effect is minimal on highways since cruise control doesn't require frequent speed changes. Based on my tests, it reduces city commuting fuel consumption by about 5%, saving roughly 2-3 yuan per 100 kilometers. But the ECO mode affects air conditioning performance, so I turn it off when it's too hot in summer. Overall, fuel savings vary by driver—if you're used to smooth driving, you can save fuel even without ECO mode. It really depends on road conditions and driving habits.